MXPA00009711A - Safety system for a projectile fuse. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a safety system for a small arms projectile in which an initiating device is impacted by a firing member in order to detonate a main explosive charge. The system requires the firing member to be retained in a safe position in relation to the initiating device by at least two independent mechanisms. The firing member is initially supported in a forward position, in which it assists in holding the initiator device in a safe condition, and is caused to move rearwardly, through inertia, when the projectile is fired, destroying one of the retaining mechanisms and allowing the initiator device to adopt a primed position in which it can be activated by the firing member which at this time is retained by the other retaining mechanism which is automatically released when the projectile is in flight. The initiator device may, when held in its safe condition, be skewed with respect to the main explosive charge and may incorporate or support a shield disposed, in the safe condition, between the initiator device and the main explosive charge.

Description

SAFETY SYSTEM FOR A PROJECTIBLE FUSE The present invention to a security system particularly for a projectile of small arms for pet gun.

In the European patent EP-B-0363079 a projectile for small arms is described for an orifice weapon preferably fired from a cartridge with a propellant charge there, wherein the projectile comprises a generally cylindrical cover, a warhead assembly, If the warhead is hollow to accommodate an explosive charge and an initiator for it, the cover is formed with a spring-loaded trigger bolt to a safety position and secured in the safety position by at least a safety pin depressed by spring, where the safety pin pressed by spring is adapted to release with the projectile exit from the muzzle of a small weapon.

European Patent EP-B-0363079 therefore describes a projectile having mechanical safety means for retaining the firing pin in the safety position. The mechanical safety means comprise at least one spring-loaded safety pin d which extends normal to the eje of the trigger bolt and located in a radial hole in the trigger bolt to prevent axial movement of the trigger bolt. The safety pin is held radially by the cartridge.

There is a disadvantage associated with this arrangement.

When the projectile leaves the mouth of the small arm's firearm there is a severe deceleration when sticking it in the air which causes the shell of the projectile to decelerate and apply a deceleration force to the trigger bolt in the direction of the initiator. The shear force applied to the safety bolt by the deceleration between the cover and the bolt of the trip prevents the ejection of the safety bolt until the cutting force is overcome by the pressing force of the spring acting on the bolt. The trigger bolt is po both retained in its safety position by the safety bolt. Only when the cutting force has been reduced will the safety bolt release the bolt. The effect of this is to delay the arming of the projectile by at least 0.1 seconds or by about 10 meters), or more reliably by 0.2 to 0.3 seconds, which is generally equal to around 20 to 30 meters in range. This means that targets at a short range can not be hit and targets at 25 to 30 meters can not always be reliably achieved.

A further disadvantage with this arrangement is that there is only one safety means for retaining the firing pin in the safety position. Therefore there is a possibility that the explosive charge could be accidentally started if the safety pin is dislodged from the firing pin due to the cartridge being damaged for example.

In order to refer to these problems, the European patent EP-B-0363079 suggests the use of chemical safety means in addition to the mechanical safety means. The chemical security means includes a layer of combustible adhesive material interposed between the firing pin and the adjacent hollow part of the cover. The combustible adhesive material is connected to a hole in the back of the cover adjacent to the propellant charge so that it is activated by the explosion of the propellant charge when the projectile is fired.

In this arrangement the fuel adhesive material holds the firing pin in its secure position for a predetermined period once the projectile has been fired. This prevents any shearing forces from being generated between the firing pin and the safety pin by slowing the projectile on the air that still sticks. In this form the ejection of the safety pin occurs immediately that the projectile leaves the muzzle of the small weapon. The time taken for the fuel adhesive material to release the firing bolt thus arming the projectile was determined by the characteristics of the combustible adhesive material.

A problem with this arrangement is that the combustible adhesive material may deteriorate and become unstable if stored for a prolonged period; particularly the adhesive is in any defective form. This is a major disadvantage and a short shelf life is required as is usual for ammunition.

An additional problem associated with this arrangement is that manufacturing restrictions may result in the combustible adhesive material being insufficiently reliable to ensure that any delay in arming is equal to about 3 meters from the user when the projectile is fired.

It is known, for example from French patent FR-A-0 424 890, from US-A-2 537 855 and from US-A-2 564 797, that fully mechanical devices can be used for effect the closing with safety bolt of the trigger bolts in the projectile fuses and that the bolts triggers can be used, while they are thus closed to retain an initiate in a safe condition, against the forces that push him into a condition navy. None of these previous descriptions, however, prevent the provision of increased safety in handling and use, by means of mechanically activated, independent, and plural latches that are designed and configured to be fired and respond to different events in the shooting processes.

An object of the present invention is to provide a small-arms projectile which has a safety means for retaining a firing pin in a safety position before firing and releasing the firing pin with the application of consequent acceleration forces. with shot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a small-arms projectile which has at least two mechanically independent safety means for retaining a trigger bolt in a safety position before firing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a projectile for small arms which has a safety means for retaining a trigger bolt in a safe position prior to firing which operates to delay the projectile assembly with the firing in a further manner. reliable of what had been achieved so far with the known security means.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a projectile is provided for small arms for a small weapon, said projectile comprising: a generally tubular cover that has a trigger bolt? jue moves axially; a warhead that has an explosive charge; Y an initiator who has safe armed conditions and is capable, when in his armed condition and when struck by said trigger bolt, of detonating the explosive charge of said warhead; wherein the cover also contains means of releasing safety to releasably restrict the trigger, against the elastic force in a secured position whereby said initiator remains in its safe condition, against a reinforcing force tending to push the initiator towards the armed condition; characterized in that the safety release means comprise the first and second mechanical means; wherein said first mechanical means includes at least one component constructed to be frangible and responsive to the forces experienced in projectile firing; Y wherein said second mechanical means includes at least one component placed and configured to be ejected from the cover when the projectile leaves the arm allowing said elastic force to move said trigger trigger out of said initiator to an extent that allows said initiator being pushed into his armed condition Therefore, the initiator is movable between an unarmed position and an armed position depressed, but s retains in its non-armed position by engaging with the trigger bolt in the secured position. In this form and initiator it may not be armed until the trigger bolt is moved from the secured position and disengaged from the initiator.

It will be understood that the abbreviation "g" used here represents acceleration due to gravity. Typically, a small weapons projectile will experience an acceleration of between 10,000 g and 100,000 g when it is fired into the chamber of a small arm. The safety release means stops the trigger in the safety position with the application of acceleration forces of less than 500 g to prevent accidental arming of the projectile before firing. In this way the releasable safety means will protect the user if the projectile is thrown accidentally during handling since the acceleration forces applied to the projectile will generally be less than 500 g.

Furthermore, the trigger bolt is made to be released from its secured position only when the projectile is fired and only when both first and second mechanical means have been made, in a predetermined sequence no longer effective. In this form if one of the mechanical means fails the otr will prevent the movement of the trigger bolt from its safety position. Since the safety release means has releasable means which are mechanical, the trigger bolt restriction is improved and the problems associated with chemical degradation are avoided. In addition, this can prevent the trigger bolt from moving towards the initiator when the projectile is fired and is still in the chamber or small weapon hole.

Preferably said trigger bolt includes a separate axially movable base part.

Conveniently said frangible component comprises a cutting pin positioned to support said base part before firing the projectile.

Therefore, the first mechanical means are released from the trigger bolt by the initial axial movement of the base part in an outward direction of the initiator. The acceleration forces applied to the base portion with the firing can be used to release the trigger bolt. of the first mechanical means.

In another embodiment said frangible component comprises a discoidal glass element placed between said base part and the cover to support said bas part before firing the projectile.

Therefore, the first mechanical means are released from the trigger bolt by the initial axia movement of the base part in an outward direction of the initiator. The acceleration forces applied to the base part d with the trip can therefore be used to release the trigger bolt from its first mechanical means.

Conveniently, the strength of the frangible element is sufficient to withstand the acceleration forces applied to the base part of up to 500 g. In this manner, the frangible element will easily break when the projectile is fired but its structure will prevent axial movement of the base part in an outward direction of the initiator before firing.

Therefore, the frangible element prevents release of the firing pin from the initiator until significant acceleration forces are applied to the bas part when the projectile is fired. The acceleration forces applied to the trigger bolt and to the base part, with firing, are considerable and in this form the frangible element can be made strong enough to withstand the shock loads due to improper handling prior to firing.

In addition, the frangible element can be manufactured easily and its reliability of breaking strength can be controlled during manufacturing.

It is preferred that the initiator be urged to move from its secure condition to its armed condition by rotating it about an axis perpendicular to the covered dich axis.

Consequently the initiator can only rotate the armed position and pressed once the bolt fired is disengaged with the firing.

In another embodiment, the spring force applied to the trigger bolt is provided by a compression spring having sufficient stiffness to prevent the trigger bolt from moving within the initiator due to the deceleration experienced by the projectile upon leaving the small weapon's mouth.

Since the trigger bolt is pressed in an axial direction away from the initiator, this can prevent movement of the trigger bolt towards the initiator immediately as the projectile leaves the mouth of the small weapon. In this case the trigger bolt hits the initiator only when the projectile hits the target.

Conveniently, said second mechanical means includes at least one safety pin depressed by spring.

Therefore, the safety pin can be restricted radially in a cartridge from which it is fired and projectile. For example, the safety pin is restrained radially by the fins which in turn are restricted radially by the internal force of the weapon hole from which it is fired and released at the exit from the muzzle. The projectile is therefore armed either immediately at the exit or within a short distance after leaving the mouth of the gun.

In a preferred embodiment, two safety bolts are provided for release and opposite radial directions. This prevents any imbalance of projectiles once they have been triggered.

Preferably, said cover supports a plurality of constricting stabilizing fins to lie against the cover before firing the projectile, but which are capable of deploying when the projectile leaves the weapon; and wherein at least one of said fins prevents the ejection of ejectable component of said second mechanical means until the unfolding has occurred; the ejection and the unfolding are assisted by the movement of said trigger bolt under the elastic force.

In a particular embodiment, said trigger is provided with a stabilizing disc having a frustoconical side part placed in contact with the expelling component of said second mechanical means.

Conveniently, said initiator is constructed to generate, when in its armed condition, an explosive charge of initiation in response to the impact thereon of said trigger bolt and comprises means for causing said initiation explosive charge to conform to a predetermined form around of an initiating shaft and wherein said initiator ej is misaligned with the axis of motion of the trigger bolt when it is held in its safe condition.

In a particular box, when the axis of said initiator is misaligned with the axle of movement of said trigger bolt, the shielding means are interposed between the initiation load and that of the warhead.

In a particular embodiment, said explosive initiation charge is contained in a cup tip structure and said shield comprises a part of said structure The invention will now be described, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a projectile of an arrangement removed from a 12 gauge 12 gauge cartridge.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 1 and showing a projectile of another arrangement.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 1 and showing a projectile of an additional arrangement.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 1 and showing a projectile according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5a and 5b are views in partial cross section showing an alternate relationship between the initiator and warhead components to that shown in Figure 4 under safety conditions but accidentally triggered) and armed respectively; Y Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view showing an additional alternating relationship between the initiator and the warhead components to that shown in Figure 4.

In all the Figures, the similar components of the small-gun projectiles bear the same reference numbers.

With reference to Figure 1, the projectile 1 is formed with a hollow warhead 2 and a hollow cover 3. The projectile has a generally cylindrical configuration around a central axis and is formed in this case d forged aluminum. The warhead 2 and the cover 3 are formed separately provided by means of interlocking in the form of an externally threaded part 4 on the cover and an internally threaded part 5 on the warhead. The warhead and the cover are joined together immediately before assembly with an orifice cartridge-12 The cover 3 is provided with an axia hole 6 which accommodates a cylindrical firing bolt that can move axially 7. The firing pin 7 is provided at the operating end closest to the warhead 2 with a conical needle part 8 for make contact with an initiator d explosive charge 23 which is located in the war head. The trigger bolt 7 also includes a discizer portion 9 adjacent the needle portion, a reduced diameter ej portion 10 adjacent the stabilizing disc and a base portion 11. The stabilizing disc 9 and the base portion 1 have a outer diameter which is essentially the same as the internal diameter of the axial hole 6. This base part 1 includes an annular recess 12 on its side adjacent to the reduced axis part 10.

In the drawing the trigger bolt 7 is shown in its safety position. The trigger bolt is retained in this position by the safety release means which include a primary mechanical releasable restriction means in the form of two diametrically opposed spring-loaded safety bolts 13 and secondary releasable mechanical restriction means in the form of an element d hollow frangible disk 15.

The security bolts 13 are each located in a stepped hole 16 in the cover 3. The continuous holes 16 have an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the cover 3. The security bolts 13 include a bolt cover part 17 and an axle part 18 which is located in the reduced diameter portion of the stepped continuous hole 16. The axle part 18 of the safety pin has an outer diameter which is essentially the same as the inner diameter of the diameter part. reduced from the continuous orifici. A compression spring is provided in the larger diameter portion of the stepped continuous bore and lies on the bolt cover portion to urge the securing bolt radially outwardly. The safety pins are held in the continuous hole by contacting the trigger 7. At their remote ends the securing bolts each include a portion of reduced diameter adjacent to the shaft part and a conical part chamfered outward which defines a catch. The reduced diameter portion 20 extends from the stepped continuous opening and engages the front axle face 22 of the base part 11. The conical chamfered out portion 21 is located partially in the annular recess 12 and prevents axial movement of the trigger bolt. 7 in the direction of the initiator 23.

By virtue of the fact that the safety pins 13 are retained by the safety pin 7 and assembly simplified considerably since it is not necessary to manually retain the safety pins 13 in their pre-expanded condition before locating them. in u cartridge for use.

The hollow frangible disk element 15 is positioned between the base part 11 of the trigger bolt 17 and an annular back plate 24 which is fastened to the cover 3 The resistance of the frangible element is such that it prevents axial movement of the trigger bolt in a direction outside the initiator before firing and is crushed by the axial movement of the firing pin in said axial direction with the firing. In this aspect the frangible element can withstand the acceleration forces applied to the fired bolt of up to 5,000 g.

A compression spring 25 is placed around the conical part 8 of the trigger bolt 7. The compression spring is retained by contact with the stabilizing disc part 9 and an annular retaining plate 2 which is secured to the inner surface of the cover 3 The annular retaining plate 26 includes a central opening 3 for receiving the conical part 8. In the position of the safety shown the compression bolt does not apply a significant load to the safety bolt.

Located at a remote end of the cover and around the outer periphery thereof are four fins 27 which in use extend radially outward from the body of the cover 3. The fins 27 are of an exact configuration so that in its position bend down inside the cartridge or barrel for example it will lie on the outer periphery of the cover. For this purpose the fins 27 are hinged at point 28, the axis of the hinge being slightly angled to the projectile longitudinal axis so that the air pressure will cause the fins to open and rotate the projectile when it has left the projectile. muzzle. The fins 27 can be formed of an elastic material such as copper, or they can be molded into their final plastic form or a moldable metal such as aluminum. Even though the present invention is described with reference to fins, it is appreciated that the invention may also refer to projectiles that do not include the fins.

The warhead assembly 2 is formed from an aluminum setting of a generally cylindrical configuration and includes a dome-shaped front end. The dome-shaped front end jointly joins the cylindrical part which extends downwards towards the cover 3. The hollow part of the warhead 2 is provided with explosive 29, for example A5. The explosive block 29 is in this particular embodiment provided with a central orifice 31 for the accommodation of an initiator 23 which in this particular case defines part of the shutter mechanism. The initiator 23 is rotatably mounted on an axis perpendicular to the axis of the warhead 2 for movement between the angular position shown and a position pressed by spring at 90 degrees of separation. The initiator 23 is provided with a wedge-shaped slot 41 which engages the tip d of the conical part 8 when the trigger bolt is in the secure position. In this way the trigger bolt 7 retains the initiator 23 in the unarmed angular position shown. The spring pressure means (not shown) are provided to rotate the initiator 23 by 90 degrees in an armed position when the trigger bolt is moved relatively backward. The initiator 23 is also provist with the openings 32 to receive the tip of the conical part when it rotates to the armed position.

The pre-molded fragmentation parts n shown) can also be formed on the internal or external faces of the warhead 2. In an alternative the warhead 2 can be formed of an epoxy resin in which a plurality of ball bearings. The advantage of this last construction is that the weight of the warhead 2 can be carefully adjusted by the use of the correct weight and number of the ball bearings. Besides, of course the point of balance of the project set can be altered by placing the ball bearings in various positions in variable numbers within the body of material forming the warhead 2.

In use the explosive charge which is molded to a predetermined shape is intertwined in the head of war 2 and the initiator 23 is placed there. The cover 3 is assembled by placing the frangible disc element 1 in the base of the hole 6 of the cover 3 once the trigger 4 is inserted into the hole 6. The safety pins 13 they are then introduced into hole 6 and s press to their origin. With the lid part 17 of the safety pins 13 retained in their pressed condition the trigger 7 is then retained in its safety position the cover 3 and the warhead 2 can then be screwed together. If in this position the projectile is thrown accidentally even with the cartridge cover removed, the concussion will not release the trigger bolt 7 because the securing bolts 13 are interengaged with them and the frangible disc element 15 is strong enough to break. Subsequently, the fins 27 are placed in their radially inward positions and the device slides into the standard orifice-12 cartridge as a pair to fit over the top of the cushion immediately on the propellant charge.

The cartridge can then be placed in a standard rifle with a cylindrical barrel and be fired in a normal manner. With the firing the projectile 1 leaves the cartridge 4 not shown) and moves along the smooth orifice barrel. The acceleration force applied to the projectile in the barrel is typically in the range of 10,000 g to 15,000 g. The acceleration force of the trigger bolt 7 causes the trigger 7 to crush the frangible disc element 15. It allows the trigger bolt to move in an axial direction away from the initiator 23. The initiator 23 is then released from its unarmed position. and rotates around its axis through 90 degrees to its armed position. As the trigger bolt moves backward out of the initiator 23, the safety bolts disengage from the annular recess. When leaving the barrel the restriction of the inner wall of the hole e removed and the safety pins 13 are immediately expelled radially outwards.

Upon exiting the barrel the projectile slows down as the pressure of the propellant gases in the barrel no longer acts on it. The deceleration of the projectile pushes the trigger 7 towards the initiator 23. The contact between the trigger 7 and the initiator 23 is avoided in this phase by the forward movement of the trigger bolt which is still attacked by the restrictive force applied by the trigger. compression springs 25. When the projectile 1 hits the target, the deceleration force on it is much greater and the associated force acting on the trigger bolt 7 overcomes the restrictive force of the compression spring 25 and the tip of the trigger 7 between the opening 32 of the initiator, causing po so much that the charge explodes.

Referring now to Figure 2, the project 1 is essentially the same as the projectile of Figure 1. The projectile of Figure 2 differs from that of Figure 1 in that the trigger bolt 7 includes two separate components. The conical tip portion 8, the stabilizing disc and the reduced diameter shaft part 10 are formed as a component, and the base portion 11 is formed as a separate component. The base part 11 is provided with a central orifice 60 and the annular flange 61 at its outer radiating periphery on its front axial face 22. The reduced diameter shaft part 10 is located in the blind hole 60 at its farthest end of the tip part 8. The part d of reduced diameter has an external diameter essentially equal to the internal diameter of the blind hole 60 and includes a male 62 placed part along its length which is pushed into contact with a stepped annular recess. 63 in the blind hole opening 61 by the compression spring 25. The safety pins 13 have a constant diameter shaft part 18 l which includes a slot 64. The slot 64 provides a catch which engages the annular flange 61 to prevent axial movement of the trigger bolt 7 in the direction of the initiator 23 In this aspect it will be understood that the slot 64 and the annular flange 61 replace the reduced diameter part 20 and the Conic bevelled outwardly from the safety pins 13 and e annular recess 12 of the projectile of Figure 1.

The projectile of Figure 2 is fired in an identical manner to the projectile of Figure 1. With the shot l acceleration force applied to the base part 11 causes the base part 11 to crush the frangible disc element 15. It allows to the base part 11 moving in the direction axia outwardly of the initiator 23 in relation to the shaft part 10 A the base part 11 moves backward outwardly of the initiator 23 the safety pins 13 disengage from the annular flange 61. The axial movement of the shaft part 10 in the outward direction of the initiator is prevented by the contact d of the safety pins 13 with the disc part 9. The initiate 23 is therefore held in its non-armed position by means of e. engagement of the tip portion 8 and the V-shaped groove 41. Upon exiting the barrel the safety pins expel radially outward and the pressing force of the compression spring 25 pushes the shaft part 10 towards the base part 11 in l dir axial outward movement of the initiator 23. This causes the initiator 23 to be released from its unarmed position. The initiate 23 then rotates through 90 degrees to its armed position to arm the projectile.

Referring now to Figure 3, the project 1 is essentially the same as the projectile of Figure 1. The projectile of Figure 3 is different from that of Figure 1 and the sense that the security pins 13 have a part d constant diameter shaft 42 which extends from the lid part 17. In Figure 3 the security bolts 13 are radially restricted in the continuous holes 16 by the interfitting cartridge. In the safety position shown the safety pins can engage on the axial side of car outwards 22 of the base part 11 to prevent axial movement of the trigger bolt 7 in the direction of the initiator 23, they can also engage the opposite axial side of the stabilizing disc 9 to prevent axial movement of the trigger 7 in the outward direction of the initiator.

The secondary mechanical releasable restriction means are provided by a plurality of radially movable and circumferentially spaced elements 43. The elements 43 have a generally L-shaped cross section and are interengaged in an annular groove 44 formed in a reduced diameter portion 45 of the trigger bolt 7 au side of the base part 11. The elements 43 are pressed radially inwardly of the annular groove 44 by the spring pressure means 46 between the elements 43 and the cover 3 The elements 43 are accommodated in an annular recess 47 formed in the hole 6 at the end of the cover away from the warhead 2. The annular recess 47 defines a stepped axial surface 49 in the hole 6. The radial dimension of the elements 43 is such that in the pressed position shown the elements extend radially outwardly of the annular recess 44 and partly along the axial surface 48 in the recess; 47. In this position the elements 43 define a radial separation 50 between the cover and its radially outer ends. Also in this position the elements 43 prevent axial movement of the trigger bolt 7 in the axial direction of the initiator 23 by contact with the stepped axia surface 49. The radial dimension of the spacing 50 is marginally greater than that of the annular recess 45. The trigger 7 is axially aligned in the hole 6 by the location of its end furthest from the conical part 8 and an opening 51 provided in the end plate 24.

The initiator 23 is not movably retained in and explosive 29 by the annular plate 26.

With the firing the projectile 1 leaves the cartridge (n shown) and moves along the barrel of smooth hole. When leaving the barrel, the restriction of the inner walls of the hole is removed and the safety pins 13 are immediately expelled. The movement of the trigger bolt towards the initiator 23 is then prevented by the engagement of the elements 43 and the axial surface 49 alone. As the projectile emerges from the barrel, the fins 27 extend and cause the projectile to rotate about its axis. At a predetermined point the rotation of the projectile generates a sufficient centrifugal force on the elements 43 to force them radially outwardly against the pressing force of the spring pressure means 46. When the elements 43 engage in the annular recess 47 they disengage from the annular recess 45 and thus releasing the trigger bolt 7. This will generally occur 0. seconds after leaving the barrel resulting in a delay in arming the projectile equal about 30 yards down which is just far enough away to ensure safe ka for the user. Once the projectile is armed, the point of trigger bolt 7 can enter the impact initiator with the target being reached.

The projectile of Figure 3 therefore provides a projectile for a smooth-bore weapon with a novel delay armed device, and a novel arming device by itself.

With reference to Figure 4, in another incorporation of the projectile 1 this is formed in a manner similar to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3 with the hollow warhead 2 and a hollow cover 3. In the drawing of Figure 4, the detail of warhead 2 has been omitted for clarity. The warhead 2 and the cover 3 are set separately formed with means of interlock in the form d an externally threaded part 70 on the warhead 2 an internally threaded part 71 on the cover 3.

The projectile of Figure 4 is provided with a two-piece firing bolt 7. The projectile firing bolt 7 of Figure 4 is similar to the projectile firing bolt 7 of Figure 2 in the sense that the fire conical dot 8, stabilizing disk 9 and shaft 10 are formed as a component, and base part 11 as a separate component Shaft part 10 is located in central continuous hole 72 in base part 11. In the Figure 4 the stabilizing disc comprises a flat base 73 and a frustoconical side part 74 which provide joints or recess 75 on the initiating side of the stabilizing disc. A cylindrical sleeve 76 is located in the hole 6 of the cover 3 on one side of the trigger bolt 7. An annular shoulder 7 is provided at the end of the sleeve 76 closest to the point of the firing pin 8 for receiving one end of the spring d. Compression 25. The other end of the compression spring is located in the recess 75 to urge the flat base 73 of the stabilizing disk into contact with the base 11.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the trigger 7 is retained in the secured position shown by the primary mechanical releasable restriction means which comprise at least one safety pin depressed by spring 78, and secondary sealable restraining means in the shape of a frangible disc element 79. In this embodiment, the safety release means further comprises mechanically tertiary releasable restriction means in the form of at least one cutter pin 80 positioned in a recess 83 in the base 11.

The safety pin 78 is located at or inclined continuous hole 81 on the side of the cover 3. E one end the safety pin 78 makes contact with the frusto conical side part 74 of the stabilizing disc 9. The safety pin 78 is loaded by spring in a direction radially outwardly by the compression spring 25 acting on the disk 9 and are restricted within its continuous orifice 31 by a fin 27 when in its condition bend downwards as shown.

The cutting pin 80 is located at or continuous hole 82 on the side of the cover 3 and extends into a recess 83 provided in the base 11. The cutting pin 80 is provided with a frangible portion of reduced diameter 84 which is positioned to correspond to the partition between the recess 83 and the continuous orifice 82 In the embodiment of Figure 4, the spring-loaded initiate 23 is located within the hole in the cover. In this embodiment the initiator 23 is provided with a stepped outer surface 85 which is engaged by the tip of the conical part 8 when the trigger is in the safety position. The initiator 2 is spring loaded to its armed position which corresponds to the opening 32 being aligned with the axis of the firing pin.

The projectile of Figure 4 is fired in an identical manner to the projectiles of Figures 1 to 3. With firing, the acceleration force applied to the base part 1 causes said base part 11 to crush the frangible disc element. 79 and the cutting pin 80 for cutting. This allows the base part 11 to move in the axial direction towards the starter 23 relative to the shaft part 10. The axial movement of the shaft part 10 in the direction outwardly of the initiator is prevented by the contact of the safety pin 78 with a frustoconical part 74. The initiator 23 is therefore held in its non-armed position by the engagement of the tip part 8 with the stepped exterior surface 85 when it is in the barrel of the smooth-bore weapon. With the exit from the barrel the fins 27 are deployed and the safety pin 78 is ejected radially outwardly and the pressing force of the compression spring 25 pushes the shaft part 10 towards the base part 11 in the axial direction outwardly. of the initiate 23. This causes the initiator 23 to be released from its armed position. The initiator 23 then rotates through approximately 30 degrees to its armed position to assemble the projectile.

The embodiment of Figure 4 has been described as comprising a single safety bolt 78 and a single cutting bolt 80. In another embodiment these are supplemented by a second safety bolt 78 and a cutting bolt 8 positioned diametrically opposite each other. another respectively The embodiment of Figure 4 provides a further and highly significant improvement in the safety of projectiles of this class, based on the important fact that, until the initiator 23 is allowed to move within its armed position, there is no bolt direct line trigger 7 in the initiator nor a direct line d communication between the initiator and the explosive 29. This is used for an additional advantage in the embodiments of the invention illustrated in part in Figures 5a, 5b and 6.

Referring now to Figure 5a, it can be seen that the initiator 23 is contained within the cup type construction 90 made of aluminum, and preferably surrounded with a titanium sheet 91, or otherwise coated or supported with a titanium layer. , of the thickness in the order of 0.001 inches The explosive charge of the warhead 29 is contained behind a shield 92 which adopts a top hat type shape towards the initiator 23 with a thin central part 93. The structure of cup type 91 and 92 is formed with a lid part 94, which faces the shield 92 so that, in general, when the projectile is secure, the lid part 94 lies opposite and parallel to the thinned part 93 of the shield 92 when the initiator 23 is not in line with the main load. Through these means, s provides a conformation of the charge of the initiator and a protection of the main load 29 so, in the case of u accidental firing of the initiation charge by some external cause, as indicated by the fracture from the lid part 94 the charge energy does not directly impact the main charge 29, since this is diverted outwardly from the line d direct view thereto, and in addition the lid part 94 of the type structure of Cup 90 and 91 tends to be open, as shown by point 94a and therefore provides a reinforced shield between the initiation charge and the main explosive charge 29 of the projectile.

Figure 5b is identical to Figure 5a, except that it shows the armed condition, where the cup-type structure 90 and 91 has been allowed to rotate so as to align the load 23 with the thinned region 93 of shield 92. In this condition , when the charge of the initiator is fired, as shown, the open portions of the lid part 94 no longer lie on the thinned region 93 of the shield 92 and in fact help to concentrate the charge of the initiator in the main explosive charge 29 of the warhead; for example, they provide a "fire channel" directing the energy of the initiator to the main charge.

In the arrangement of Figure 6, the main difference from that of Figure 5 is that a shielding blind 95 is provided which is integral with, and which rotates with and initiator 23, thus obviating the need for a part of the lid. 94 for the cup type structure 90 and 91 which is another way as described in relation to Figure 5. The blind 95 is shaped, sized and made of a suitable material to resist or at least decrease and impact on the main explosive charge 29 of an accidental discharge of the initiator charge. In this aspect, it can become relatively voluminous since, of course, it automatically moves out of the line of action between initiator 23 and the main explosive charge 29 of the project when the initiator rotates to its armed position.

The combination as shown in Figures 5 6 of the shaping, at least to an extent that the charge of the initiator, deflects the shaped charge, with respect to the direct path to the main explosive charge, in an "unarmed" condition and provides additional protection to the length of the direct trajectory in the "unarmed" condition provides a significant degree of additional safety against unwanted detonation of the main load while not compromising the warhead's sensitivity to detonation in the "armed" condition when the load of the initiate is rotated to align with the direct path to the main explosive charge.

It will be understood that the embodiments illustrated herein show an application of the invention in a single form for the purposes of illustration. In the practice of the invention this can be applied to many different configurations whose detailed incorporations are without problem for those skilled in the art to implement them.

Claims (27)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A projectile of small arms for a small arm, the projectile comprises: a generally tubular cover having an axially movable trigger bolt; a warhead that has an explosive charge; Y an initiator who has safe armed conditions and who is capable, when in his armed condition when hit by said trigger bolt, of detonating the explosive charge of said warhead; wherein the cover also contains a safety release means for releasably restricting the trigger bolt, against the elastic force, in a secure position whereby said initiator is maintained in a safe condition against a reinforcing force tending push the initiator towards the armed condition; characterized in that the safety release means comprise the first and second mechanical means; wherein said first mechanical means includes at least one component constructed to be frangible and responsive to the forces experienced with projectile firing; Y wherein said second mechanical means includes at least one component positioned and configured to be ejected from the cover when the projectile leaves the arm allowing the elastic force to move said bolt fired out from said initiator to an extension allowing said initiator to be pushed to his armed condition.

2. A small weapon projectile as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said trigger device includes an axially separated mobile base part

3. A small weapon projectile as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said frangible component comprises a cutting bolt placed to support said base part before firing the projectile.

4. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clauses 2 or 3, characterized in that said frangible component comprises a discoidal glass element placed between said base part and the cover to support said base part before firing of the projectile.

5. A small weapons projectile as claimed in any of the preceding clauses characterized in that the initiator is pushed to move it from its secure condition to its armed condition by rotating around an axis perpendicular to the axis of said cover.

6. A small weapons projectile as claimed in any of the preceding clauses characterized in that the elastic force applied to the trigger is provided by a compression spring having sufficient rigidity to prevent the trigger bolt from moving inside the initiator to the deceleration experienced by the projectile when leaving the mouth of the weapon of a small weapon.

7. A small weapon projectile as claimed in any of the preceding clauses characterized in that the ejectable component of said second mechanical means includes at least one spring-loaded safety pin.

8. A small weapon projectile as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that the two spring-loaded safety pins are provided for release in the opposite radial directions.

9. A small weapons projectile as claimed in any of the preceding clauses characterized in that the cover supports a plurality of stabilizing fins constrained to lie against the cover before firing the projectile, but are capable of deploying when the projectile leaves the weapon; and wherein at least one of said fins prevents ejection of the ejectable component d said second mechanical means until the unfolding occurs, the ejection and unfolding are assisted by the movement of the trigger bolt under said elastic force.

10. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the firing pin is provided with a stabilizing disc having a frustoconical side part placed in contact with the expelling component of said second mechanical means.

11. A small weapons projectile as claimed in any of the preceding clauses characterized in that said initiator is constructed to generate, when in its armed condition, an initiating explosive charge in response to the impact thereon of said trigger and comprises means for causing said explosive initiation charge to conform to a predetermined shape about an initiator shaft and wherein said initiator shaft is misaligned with the axis of motion of said bolt fired when held in its safe condition.

12. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the initiator shaft is misaligned with the axis of movement of the trigger bolt, the shield means are placed between the initiation face and that of the head of the firing pin. war.

13. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said explosive initiation charge is contained in a cup type structure and said shield comprises a part of said structure

14. A small weapon projectile as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that two spring-loaded safety pins are provided to be released in opposite radial directions.

15. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clauses 13 or 14, characterized in that said safety bolt includes a retainer at its remote end which is engaged by the trigger bolt in the safety position d.

16. A projectile of small arms for a small arm, said projectile comprises a generally cylindrical cover, a warhead and an initiator, said warhead has an explosive charge, the cover has an axially movable trigger pin for impacting with said initiator the pin trigger is freely restricted in a safety position by at least one releasably depressed safety pin and a frangible element placed between a base of the trigger bolt and the cover, said trigger is released by an axial movement of the trigger in a direction towards outside the initiator, and by which the frangible element prevents axial movement of the trigger trigger in said axial direction before firing and crushed by the movement of the trigger bolt in said axial direction when firing thereby causing the firing pin to be released.

17. A projectile of small arms for a small arm, said projectile comprises a generally cylindrical cover, a warhead and an initiator, said warhead has an explosive charge and an initiator, the cover has an axially movable trigger pin to impact the said initiator, the trigger bolt is releasably restricted in said position secured by at least one primary releasable mechanical restraint means and at least one second mechanical releasable restraint means, and wherein the trigger bolt is made to be released from said position. security by releasing said primary and secondary mechanical restraint means in a predetermined sequence when the projectile is fired.

18. A small weapon projectile as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said primary mechanical releasable restriction means are releasable trigger bolt independently of said secondary mechanical releasable restriction means.

19. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clauses 17 or 18 characterized in that said secondary mechanical releasable restriction means includes a plurality of radially mobile elements which hook a circumferential periphery of said bolt fired to prevent axial movement of the trigger bolt before firing, and a plurality of fins circumferentially spaced around an outer periphery of the cover pivotally connected thereto, the fins being at least partially retained in a condition bent downwards in a cartridge case and pressed to deploy radially towards out in relation to the cover as the projectile leaves the small weapon's mouth to cause the projectile to rotate about its axis and cause the radially mobile elements to move radially outward under the centrifugal force to release the trigger bolt.

20. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said primary mechanical releasable restriction means are a safety pin pressed by spring.

21. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 20 characterized in that two spring-loaded safety pins are provided to release the opposite radial directions.

22. A small weapons projectile as claimed in any of the preceding clauses characterized in that said initiator is constructed to generate an explosive charge of initiation in response to the impact thereon of said trigger bolt and comprises means to cause said explosive charge of initiation conforms to a predetermined shape about an initiating axis and wherein the initiating ej is misaligned with the ejection bolt movement axis when said securing release means restrains the trigger bolt in the safety position.

23. A projectile for small arms for a small weapon, said projectile comprises a generally tubular cover, a warhead and an initiator, said initiate comprises a first explosive charge, detonable in response to the mechanical impact, and a warhead that has a second Explosive charge, detonable by exposure to said first explosive charge, the cover has a trigger bolt axially movable for impact with said initiator, the fired bolt is releasably restricted in a secured position by means of safety release means, wherein said initiate comprises means for causing the first explosive charge according to a predetermined shape about an initiated axis and said initiator shaft is misaligned with the axis of movement of said trigger bolt when said safety release means restrict the trigger bolt in the secured position. .

24. A small weapon projectile as claimed in clauses 22 or 23, characterized in that because the initiating shaft is misaligned with the axis of movement of the trigger bolt, the shielding means are interposed between the explosive charges.

25. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 24 characterized in that said first explosive charge is contained in a taz type structure and said shield comprises a part of said structure.

26. A small weapons projectile as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that the cup type structure is made of aluminum and titanium.

27. A small arms projectile essentially as described herein and / or with reference to the accompanying drawings. E U M N The invention provides a security system for a projectile for small arms in which an initiating device is impacted by a trigger member in order to detonate a main explosive charge. The system requires that the trigger member be retained in a secure position relative to the initiating device by at least two independent mechanisms. The trigger member is initially supported in a forward position, in which it helps to retain the initiating device in a secured condition, and causes it to move backward, through inertia, when the projectile is fired, destroying one of the mechanisms retention and allowing the initiating device to adapt a primed position in which it can be activated by the trigger member which in turn is retained by the other retention mechanism which is released automatically when the projectile is in flight. The initiating device can, when held in its safe condition, be deviated from the main explosive charge and a shield placed in a secure condition between the initiating device and the main explosive charge.